Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project

Project Background

During the December 2013 tidal surge over 160 homes and businesses in Lowestoft were flooded. In addition to this road and rail networks were significantly disrupted.

The Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project is about developing a way forward to reduce the risk of flooding from the sea, rivers and from extreme rainfall. The target date for completion is 2023 and when finished, the project will support the economic growth and regeneration of Lowestoft and reduce the risk of flooding to existing homes and businesses.

This is a priority under the Lowestoft Transport and Infrastructure Plan.

The extent of the area at risk of tidal flooding encompasses the area from the Outer Harbour entrance through Lake Lothing to the A1117 Bridge Road crossing and Mutford Lock, which forms the boundary with Oulton Broad. This will include building a new tidal barrier and raised new or improved flood walls to provide protection from flooding from the sea.

The main area of importance for the work needed to reduce the risk of flooding from rivers and extreme rainfall will focus on the Kirkley area, which unfortunately flooded during 2015. Extensive modelling has been completed to help us to identify other potentially vulnerable areas so that options to help reduce the risk of flooding can be considered as part of the project.